How Do You Achieve a Cinematic Look in Game-Themed Artwork?

Hey everyone,

Lately, I’ve been experimenting with Photoshop to create a cinematic-style artwork inspired by action-adventure games like Ninja Arashi 2. The dark tones, moody lighting, and dynamic poses really caught my attention, and I wanted to recreate that same atmosphere using Photoshop tools.

Here’s what I’ve tried so far:

• Used Color Lookup adjustments for a dramatic tone.
• Added fog and particle layers with soft brushes for depth.
• Played with Lighting Effects filters to focus attention on the main character.
• Used Blend If options for realistic shadow transitions.

However, I still feel like something is missing — maybe in the color grading or final composition.

For those who’ve done similar game-inspired digital art, what techniques or adjustment layers helped you achieve that true “cinematic” feel?
Would love to see your suggestions or examples!

Thanks in advance